In our interview with Markus Ducke, Chief Consultant, and Andreas Otten, Lead for Quality Engineering Services at USU Digital Consulting, it becomes clear: digital accessibility creates new opportunities. It helps you deliver better service, stay compliant, and include more people. Markus and Andreas explain what the German Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) means—and how you can meet the requirements in a simple, future-proof way.
Markus: The BFSG lays the foundation for equal digital access—for everyone, including people with disabilities. Public institutions have been required to comply since 2021. Now, the private sector is stepping in. The law requires companies to make certain digital products and services accessible. It’s an important step toward a more inclusive society.
Markus: The law applies to nearly all companies that sell products or services to end customers in the European Economic Area. That’s a huge number of businesses. It especially affects providers of digital services—like online shops, banking, or communication tools. Micro-enterprises are often exempt or follow simplified rules.
Markus: The key date is June 28, 2025. From then on, all new services covered by the law must be accessible. Companies that don’t comply could face fines of up to €100,000. That’s something every business should take seriously.
Andreas: It’s not just about compliance—there are real advantages. In Germany alone, over 16 million people live with physical or cognitive disabilities. If your digital services aren’t accessible, you’re excluding a huge audience. Older adults and people with limited tech experience benefit, too. Companies that act early show responsibility, boost their image, and gain long-term business value.
Andreas: People often think accessibility is expensive, only relevant for the public sector, or that it makes websites boring. That’s just not true. Modern accessibility can be smart, stylish, and user-friendly. When you start early, you avoid extra work later—and reach people you might otherwise miss.
Markus: In Germany, digital accessibility is based on BITV 2.0. The BFSG brings the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into national law and expands the requirements.
Together with the WCAG 2.2 guidelines (Level AA), these standards lay the groundwork for future-ready, compliant digital services under EN 301 549.
Andreas: We use a mix of automated tools and real user feedback. Tools like axe DevTools, WAVE, and Lighthouse help spot initial issues. But that’s just the first step. We also run manual tests using screen readers like NVDA or JAWS, and we check keyboard navigation. Most importantly, we involve people who actually rely on accessible software. That’s how we find out what really works in everyday life.
Andreas: We guide you every step of the way—from the first check to successful implementation, even certification if needed. It starts with an accessibility audit to see where you stand and where gaps remain. From there, we build a tailored strategy that meets BFSG requirements and fits your business model. You get a clear, actionable plan—with priorities and practical steps. Our team brings years of hands-on experience, especially in developing and optimizing accessible web applications. In short: we’ll walk you through the entire process with confidence and care.
Markus: Accessibility is becoming a standard part of every IT project—just like data protection or cybersecurity. Companies that start building in-house expertise and setting up clear processes now will be ready for what’s ahead. The BFSG is just the beginning—this journey is far from over.
Andreas: AI is already helping identify accessibility issues—for example, during user tests or automated analysis. That makes testing faster and more efficient. In the future, AI could also support solution design, like optimizing content or navigation. But it all depends on having enough high-quality training data—and that’s still a challenge. So, it’ll be exciting to see how quickly these technologies evolve and become widely usable.
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